"For Muslims the whole of the Qur'an is sacred, but there are certain passages which are more accessible to those seeking from the outside to understand its meaning. The present translation has the virtue of making many such passages available in easily comprehensible language thereby opening the doors for many readers to the inexhaustible treasures of the Sacred Text."-- Seyyed Hossein Nasrh, University Professor of Islamic Studies, George Washington University

"For the reader of English, Cleary unlocks the Koran and opens up its power and grace."-- Alan Godlas, Professor of Islamic Studies, Department of Religion, University of Georgia

"Thomas Cleary has crafted a stunning evocation of the 'untranslatable' verses of the holiest of the holy books in Arabic, the Noble Qur'an. His is a poet's touch, a seer's vision, a travaeler's love for the journey to Truth. The Essential Koran will be essential reading for all who seek the core of Islamic spirituality."-- Bruce B. Lawrence, Professor of History of Religion, Duke University, and author of Defenders of God